More Bang for the Buck: A New Design and Manufacturing Method for Deep Penetrating Bomb Cases

The ~4,450-pound BLU-122 deep penetrating bomb was developed by the U.S. Air Force in 2003, making improvements on the BLU-113 penetrator which would enable it to have significant penetration through hard targets. The weapon incorporates ~780 lb of energetic explosive filling, a higher-strength case made from Eglin steel with an ultimate tensile strength of 245-255 ksi, an impact toughness of 11.5-15.5 ft-lb @ -40°F, and a modified nose shape for increased penetration. Despite the improved case, the BLU-122 possesses only 18-20 feet penetrability in 5.0 ksi strength reinforced concrete.